I got a press release the other day, which happens quite often. The subject line read: “Summerfest ranks #1 most affordable music festival in US, by 72%”.
The researcher – casino.org apparently – determined this by analyzing the average amount people spend per day between 12 different festivals. It’s an incredibly small and somewhat arbitrary data set, but I think there’s a nugget of truth in there.
Summerfest is a very affordable music festival, especially at a time when tickets prices elsewhere are soaring. It’s still easy to score free tickets through promotions or knowing someone who knows someone. This has certainly helped the festival keep its egalitarian feel as other big-name fests become more extravagant. Milwaukeeans sure love a deal.
RELATED: 12 WAYS TO GET FREE OR DISCOUNTED SUMMERFEST TICKETS
And do you know what I love? Music. I’ve sifted through the lineup of names during weekend two to find who’s worth seeing. Here are my picks, for better or worse:
The Taxmen
THURSDAY, JUNE 26 AT NOON | GENERAC POWER STAGE
You ever heard of this band called The Beatles? They could be the next big thing. This young Milwaukee four-piece knows that, so they decided to cover them. They soon realized they could write their own songs, too. At this performance, it’s safe to expect a bit of both.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
The English Beat
THURSDAY, JUNE 26 AT 6 P.M. | GENERAC POWER STAGE
I’m calling it: 2026 is the year ska is back. The fourth (fifth?) wave is coming. Ride it early by seeing this classic British band still being led by lead vocalist David Wakeling. Pick it up!
Brett Newski & The Bad Inventions
THURSDAY, JUNE 26 AT 1:45 P.M. | ULINE WAREHOUSE
Fresh off a new book, Milwaukee’s indie whiz is taking the stage at the Big Gig once again. I haven’t seen Newski perform yet, and this seems like the best chance to remedy that.
READ MORE: MEET MILWAUKEE MUSICIAN BRETT NEWSKI
Valley Fox
THURSDAY, JUNE 26 AT NOON | SUMMERVILLE
This local folk trio put out their debut album, Bear Dance, earlier this year, and it’s a warm listen with potent vocal harmonies and plenty of pluck. They also seem like songs meant to be heard live – maybe more by a cabin fire than a stage surrounded by concrete, but the wooden ambiance will do.
Wishy
FRIDAY, JUNE 27 AT 7:30 P.M. | BMO PAVILION
Wishy’s Triple Seven was one of my most listened to albums last year, an addictive rush of high-octane power pop riffs and catchy hooks that evokes ’90s and 2000s rock while sounding distinctly in the moment. I’m anticipating a set just as electric.
Cake
FRIDAY, JUNE 27 AT 9:30 P.M. | BMO PAVILION
Now here’s one band that’s been going “The Distance”. Thank you, I’m here all night, folks.
IshDarr
FRIDAY, JUNE 27 AT 5:15 P.M. | USCELLULAR CONNECTION STAGE
The Milwaukee hip-hop artist has been celebrating 10 years of the mixtape that put him on the map – Old Soul, Young Spirit. But he’s also been busy dropping a bunch of smooth singles in the last few months, and those new songs are themselves a reason to check out IshDarr’s set.
Steve Max – Master of Simon Sez
FRIDAY, JUNE 27 AT 6 P.M. | ULINE WAREHOUSE
OK, a professional Simon Says gamerunner taking over a Summerfest stage? That’s ridiculous. I’m in. (Question though: What does the winner get…?)
The Killers
FRIDAY, JUNE 27 AT 7:30 P.M. | AMERICAN FAMILY AMPHITHEATER
I put The Killers on here because they’re many people’s cup of tea, but I also wanted to express an unpopular opinion: I can’t stand Mr. Brightside. How this grating, melodramatic song became a generational anthem is beyond me. I mess me “When We Were Young”, though, purely because it was on Guitar Hero III.
Allison Mahal
SATURDAY, JUNE 28 AT 5:30 AND 7:30 P.M. | SUMMERVILLE
A recent Milwaukee transplant, singer-songwriter Allison Mahal quickly embedded herself in the local music scene. She has a knack for storytelling that’s honest and touching. If you want to see a local star on the rise, she’s not one to miss.
READ MORE: MEET MILWAUKEE-BASED SINGER-SONGWRITER ALLISON MAHAL
